Narges Mohammadi, Iran
My name is Narges Mohammadi, and I am a 51-year-old woman who has dedicated her life to defending human rights. For years, I served as the Deputy Director of the Defenders of Human Rights Centre (DHRC), working tirelessly to protect the rights of individuals in my home country of Iran. Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges and sacrifices, but my determination remains unwavering.
In recognition of my commitment to human rights, I was honored to receive the prestigious Per Anger Prize from the Swedish government in 2011. The Andrei Sakharov Prize from the American Physical Society followed in 2018, further validating my efforts. In 2022, I was humbled to be included in the BBC 100 Women list, standing alongside inspiring individuals from around the world.
However, my personal life has been marked by struggle and separation. My husband, Taghi Rahmani, a political activist, was forced into exile in France after enduring 14 years of imprisonment. Our beautiful twin children, Kiana and Ali, now 16 years old, reside with him in France. Regrettably, due to my relentless pursuit of justice, I have been imprisoned several times over the past three decades, including a heart-wrenching period where I was unable to hold my own children for five long years.
Like many other brave Iranian activists, I have been imprisoned repeatedly for my peaceful advocacy of human rights. The past 13 years of my life have seen me spend more time behind bars than in freedom. But these struggles have not dampened my spirit; they have only fueled my determination to create change.
Today, a progressive and egalitarian movement has emerged in our country—the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement. It is a movement built on the pursuit of truth and justice, utilizing the lessons and knowledge from our history. As survivors of decades of violence, death, and devastation, we must steadfastly demand human rights and dignity for all, even for those responsible for mass atrocities. We must have the courage to end torture and executions, ensuring justice is served for everyone.
From the confines of my cell in Evin Prison, I bear witness to the existence of torture and assault. It is a risk to my personal safety to speak so openly, but I refuse to be silenced. The conditions I face are harsh, with prolonged solitary confinement and intense psychological torture. I have been denied access to essential medications, exacerbating my already fragile health conditions.
Iran, sadly, ranks 13 out of 100 in terms of closed civic space, according to the CIVICUS Monitor.
It is one of the most inhospitable places in the world for free expression. Yet, despite the challenges, I remain steadfast in my commitment to defending human rights and seeking justice for all.
To those who hear my plea, I implore you to stand as my witness in the fight for justice, freedom, and human rights. Together, let us create a world where the voices of the oppressed are heard, and where no child, no family, must endure the pain and suffering we have experienced. Only by standing united can we bring about the change we so desperately seek.
